What is in your drinking water? When you think of the possible contaminants that could be in your water, you don’t usually think of pharmaceutical drugs. But an Associated Press investigation has uncovered a disturbing concoction of pharmaceuticals in the municipal drinking water of at least 41 million Americans.
The drugs found in tap water include prescription medications such as antibiotics, anti-convulsive medications, blood pressure drugs, mood stabilizers and sex hormones, as well as over-the-counter pain medications.
The AP discovered that drugs have been detected in the drinking water supplies of 24 metropolitan areas across the country -- from Southern California to Northern New Jersey. See Locations and Drugs Found
The AP's investigation also found that watersheds, the natural sources of most of the nation's water supply, are also contaminated. Pharmaceuticals were detected in 28 out of 35 watersheds tested.
Pharmaceuticals can also be found in underground aquifers, the source of 40 percent of the nation's water supply. Federal scientists who drew water in 24 states from aquifers near contaminant sources such as landfills and animal feed lots detected hormones, antibiotics and other drugs.
This is not a problem confined to the United States: more than 100 different pharmaceuticals have been detected in lakes, rivers, reservoirs and streams throughout the world.
While each particular drug may occur in trace amounts, the risks of decades of persistent exposure to random combinations of low levels of pharmaceuticals has disturbing and potentially dangerous implications for human health. Studies have already shown alarming effects on human cells and wildlife.
EPA Response
The EPA regulates water for possible contaminants, but the federal government hasn't set safety limits for drugs in water.
The EPA had this to say about the study:
- “We’re taking it very seriously. We recognize there’s a growing concern about the presence of pharmaceuticals in our water. We’re evaluating the potential health effects of contaminants at low levels, when they occur and how best to remove them”
- Ben Grumbles, EPA Assistant Administrator for Water
Bottled & Filtered Water Not Necessarily Better
The first thought you may have is to switch to bottled water. However, many bottled waters are simply purified water from municipal water supplies, and companies do not typically treat or test for pharmaceuticals.
The water filter you may have on your home tap may not help either. These filters are designed to filter out metals and other contaminants, not pharmaceuticals.
We will keep you updated on new developments.
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